HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0289.000 1996-1998 -b RECEIVED
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Apri126, 1997 paw IQR7
County Coundl
Dominic Yagong
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni St.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Dominic:
The Honolulu Advertiser article in the April 15 issue caught my eye. It dealt with the
kindness and 'careful way' our Hawaii Tropical Fishermen/women fill their nets.
Unfortunately, the article was somewhat one-sided and filled with errors. I would hope
they will print an opposing, correct and concerned view. Here it is:
A while back, just before time began, I started seeing the Tropical Fish populations off our
shore declining. So did many others who wrote to me asking what could be done... and
since several of those inquiring were tourists, I thought it important enough to contact
several of our elected officials about this frightening situation. The response I got, as did
several of the other concerned citizens out there, was simply, "There's no problem. Forget
about it!"
Well, since divers and snorkelers are not organized, whereas Tropical Fish Collectors
Associations (and some reporters in our State) are organized and with money to fund their
discussions with our elected elite, our warnings went unheeded.
Now, in the late nineties, there seems to be a resurgence of concern - but I am pessimistic
of any action being taken by our legislators. Perhaps they are simply looking ver the
ocean's surface and not really looking into the near shore shallows where the problem is
quite visible.
Catching and shipping tropical fish is not, nor can it ever be, 'careful', as the recent article
indicates. Although the article tries to convince the reader that caution is taken with each
catch, the honest rendition should read, "Tropical Fish are stressed to the max by hauling
them aboard a boat, then injected with a syringe to release air from their bladder, then
placed in a container to be off-loaded and transferred to an unfamiliar, confined site, then
re-packed for a flight to who knows where. Certainly you know their life expectancy is
reduced immeasurably in a tank in someone's home, office, hotel, restaurant or bar." The
article commented that our Hawaii Fish are caught without using chemicals or explosives
(as is common in other island countries) -and that statement is simply not true. Many have
observed (and reported) this method of fishing in our Hawaiian waters -but, to no avail. It
continues to this day, everyday.
The Tropical Fish Collectors' suggestion that divers and snorkelers are the cause for the
depletion in our coastal tropical fish is a bit absurd. Can they seriously think that
underwater photographers and environmentally educated scuba divers damage the coastal
zones in a like manner as taking thousands of fish out of the water each week? Hello? Are
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a rP APR 3 0 1997
you listening to their reasoning? Senators? Representatives? Aquatic Advisors? Hello?
Does that make any sense? I don't think so. But, that is one of their contentions. Gimme a
break!
The fish counts referred to in the article are erroneous, at best, since the only counts we
have are supplied by the Tropical Fish Collectors. Does that sound like the fox guarding
the hen-house? We need accurate counts of the tropical fish leaving these islands. That can
only be accomplished by having impartial counting procedures at the debarkation points,
our airports. Without an accurate count we will never know just how many fish are leaving
- but we will continue to know that every fish that leaves dies. If those fish were left in
their natural habitat they could and would keep the population where it belongs so it can
grow and prosper. The contention that the fish lay enough eggs to re-populate the area
from where they are taken is also wrong -especially along the Kona Coast, where the
currents and wind conditions do not allow a majority of the eggs laid to stay near enough to
shore for natural replenishment.
By publishing that article the Advertiser just may cause more Tropical Fishermen to try
this endeavor and the fish population's decline will become greater. Let's not let that
happen!
Here's just another suggestion in my long list of ways to stop this devastation of our
beautiful and unprotected Tropical Fish... Immediately after a Senator, Representative,
Councilman, Mayor, whatevah, is elected, he or she should be required to take scuba lessons
and get certified. Then and only then will our elected officials be able to see first hand
what is happening in our local ocean realm (and not have their heads buried in the shoreline
sand). They will then vote according to what they actually see is happening -and there will
be a stop to this destruction of a very valuable resource. Too many people are going to be
affected by this continued decimation of our Tropical Fish populations as our valued tourist
dollar goes elsewhere, seeking the underwater beauty F?awaii (and especially Kona) once
offered.
As you may know, I do not derive nne cent from tlr~~ ocean we love. I am merely a
concerned citizen who wants to protect a life source so many enjoy. I'm not atree-hugger.
I'm a lover of our ocean realm.
I'm writing to you this evening in hopes you might know of steps to take to slow or stop the
obvious decline in our Tropical Reef Fish population. Tlrank you, in advance, for coming
to the aid of a resource that needs your support.
Respectfully,
Dick Dresie
75-5822 Neke Place
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
PH: 329-5801 FAX: 329-9627 E-Mail: dhdresie@ilhawaii.net
Honolulu Advertiser
(/`'1
Tuesday, Apd115, 1997 •
City Desk 525-8090 ii
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